Characterization

CHARACTERIZATION : 

CHARACTERIZATION CHAPTER 7 Lesson 1 – Stock & Stereotypical Characters Lesson 2 – Creating Original Characters

Lessons 1 & 2 Vocabulary : 

Lessons 1 & 2 Vocabulary Characterization – developing and portraying a personality through thought, action, dialogue, costuming, and makeup. Stock Character – a familiar character who is the same type character in every play. Stereotypical Character – a familiar character identified by an oversimplified pattern of behavior that typically labels the character as being part of a group of people. Mannerism – unconscious habit or peculiarity. Original Character – a character that you develop on your own.

Slide 3: 

Characterization involves much more than just pretending to be someone else like the game most of us have played; it is not the same. It also involves making others believe that you are someone else. The job of the actor is to make the character real for the audience. Characters are not only based on our imagination, but also on all the characters you have ever met – in books, in movies, on television, and in real life.

STOCK CHARACTERS : 

STOCK CHARACTERS Stock characters were an important part of the commedia dell’arte style of theatre. The audiences of the 1500s quickly identified each character based on what they had seen the character do or say in previous plays. The characters were expected to appear in play after play, always looking and acting the same way.

STEREOTYPICAL CHARACTERS : 

STEREOTYPICAL CHARACTERS A stereotypical character is a familiar type of character whose tag, or label, identifies a particular group or segment of society. Stereotypical characters automatically bring to mind a visual image of the characters’ actions and motives. A stereotypical character is not usually true of that type of person in real life. When creating characters, it is important to avoid negative ideas concerning occupation, race, gender, age, ethnic heritage, or religion. You do not have freedom of choice to use any ideas that classify that group of people.

Creating Original Characters : 

Creating Original Characters You will eventually move beyond stock and stereotypical characters to ones that you create on your own. One of the most important skills you can develop is the ability to observe real people. Observing real people in real situations will help you develop original characters. Your purpose in observing is to “collect” as many different qualities as you can. Your memory bank will become a virtual storehouse for all the wonderful ideas you will collect. By borrowing bits and pieces from many different characters, you can actually create a whole new being. When creating an original character you should use observation, emotional memory, and imagination.

External Characteristics : 

External Characteristics When you observe people, you will first notice their external characteristics, such as their age, gender, height, weight, hair color, skin tone, manner of dress, and degree of attractiveness. You will also notice their particular movements, which can be imitated. Take special note of mannerisms, which are simple behaviors such as nail biting, raising an eyebrow, or twisting a lock of hair. These mannerisms will help you develop a particular character.

Internal Characterization : 

Internal Characterization Your goal as an actor is to look beyond one-dimensional stock or stereotypical characters and create a character who is complex and three-dimensional. The dimension, or depth, of a character is based on what’s inside the character. You need to think about the character’s internal characteristics. Internal qualities include: background & life experiences, personality, intelligence, educational opportunities, personal interests, job, role in society, beliefs, attitudes & values, wants & needs, desires, thoughts, feelings, reactions, physical, mental, and emotional health. When developing an original character, you need to focus on external and internal qualities.

Vocalization : 

Vocalization Once you have developed your original character, you need to be sure the character can come alive vocally. A characters voice is easier to discover after you have established the external and internal characteristics. The illusion of the character can be totally lost if the character’s voice is not suitable.